- DJ

Scratchy beginnings...

I used to dig through my dad’s dusty vinyl crates and play them on an old turntable in my sister’s room. I listened to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and many others while my schoolmates were listening to Disney soundtracks and Raffi. I still remember the sound of the rich scratchy vinyl through my dad’s big headphones.

I fell in love with DJing in 2000 while in London. I went to clubs and DJ spots like Fabric, The Garden, Bar Rumba and Herbal. I spun my first record for a crowd in a smelly Irish Pub in Covent Garden and couldn’t even enjoy the song because I was so nervous. I bought my first DJ setup later that year after returning to the states. The rest as they say…

I believe DJs should add their style and musical interpretation and take nothing away from an event. I don't speak on a microphone unless its called for, and I know how to read a crowd to change the playlist to keep them on the dancefloor. I let the music get the people on their feet and don't make over-the-top announcements or play games. I customize my playlist for every client and with a list of just a few songs I can easily build the entire feel for an event.

If this sounds like a DJ style you would be interested in at your next event, please contact me.

Mixes

I recently DJed a wedding in LA at the rad space that is Marvimon which is the sister space to Smog Shoppe. They paid me for 7 hours (!) and it was truly an amazing night with animated movies being played on the big screen behind me (The Bride and groom work for Disney and Pixar). There were lots of guests from LA and lots from Vancouver, BC and when I played Thriller they broke apart to either sides of the room and had a LA vs. Vancouver dance off complete with popping and locking. One of my favorite parts of the night, for sure. Click here check out the mix.

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My good friends Ian and Talia tied the knot at the Scripps Forum. I was actually out with the Ian the night they met for the first time so it was pretty amazing to DJ their wedding. The Southern California sunset was epic and they ended the night by asking for extra time at the venue so the dancing could continue. Here's a sample from that night.

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I recently DJed an event called "Summertime and the Living is Easy" at Casa Artelexia in Little Italy. MiHO Gastrotruck and Viva Pops supplied the food, Sitting In A Tree Events did the styling and we had an amazing turn out! We already have two more events planned for the next two months. The music was a mix of old school hip hop with some summer classics thrown in for good measure. Please note that this is just a party mix and not necessarily wedding friendly. Right click on the link to download, and enjoy!

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Ken and Lara's wedding took place at The Dana on Mission Bay. One of my favorite parts of the night was when the dancefloor was lit only by the nearby Sea World fireworks. Here is a sample mix from their wedding.

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I DJed a birthday party recently at an amazing and meticulously restored 1923 automotive garage. The 3200 square foot space is used primarily for film, video and still photography productions. The birthday girl said she wanted a mix of old school/new school hip-hop with soul, funk and 80's music mixed in. Here is a sample mix from the night’s play list. Please note that this is just a party mix and not necessarily wedding friendly.

Testimonials

"Austin Hendrix was the DJ and videographer for our wedding. He handled the ceremony, dinner and reception music and did an amazing job. Austin was very easy to work with, we appreciated his enthusiasm, friendliness and professionalism very much. Everything went flawlessly for the ceremony and the dinner and he gave us the dance party of a lifetime for our reception! We had given him various songs we wanted which he played along with a great mix of songs he chose. I cannot say enough how many compliments we receive about how fun our reception was and how incredible our DJ was!! My mother in law (who never dances) even got up and danced, that was a miracle only Austin could have done!!"

Jacquelyn & Nate Kazas - Married 9.22.12 at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, CA

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"We hired DJ Austin Hendrix to provide the music at our wedding in September of 2011, a decision I am most grateful to have made. He is the real deal, among the elite few who understand the art of music and is capable of delivering a professional, unique and first class experience that makes you not only stop and think, "I love this song," but also gets you on your feet and out on the dance floor! He is anything but cheesy and, for a music lover like myself, everything I could have hoped for. Plus he has rad hair."

Traci and Erik Grimm

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"It was great working with you at The Ultimate Skybox. I would love to recommend your services to my clients. Hope to work with you soon.”

Amanda McPhail
Creative Affairs by Amanda www.creativeaffiarsbyamanda.com

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"I hired Austin to DJ my company holiday party after experiencing his fabulous skills at my friend’s wedding. Austin is as good as it gets. He is prompt, easy to work with , hip, motivated and plays fresh music. I would definitely recommend him to DJ your next event, small or large.”

Anneliese Morgan
HR at Elite Racing, Inc. a division of The Competitor Group www.competitor.com

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"Our thanks for being such an amazing DJ plus an all-around agreeable guy at David and Stacy's wedding. We are so happy we hired you and appreciate the musical role you played to make it an unforgettable affair."

Gratefully,
Carl & Billie Lopez

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"Thank you so much for coming up to LA and being the DJ for our reception. That was pretty much the only thing I asked Zoe (well, I told her it was required!) during the whole wedding planning process. It was awesome to have you there and I'm glad a friend could pick the tunes! Again, thank you! Hope to see you soon!"

Joel and Zoe Griesbach